First ever ‘Liberty Music Festival’ rocks Thurles
Inaugural music festival for Liberty Square recreates electric atmosphere of the ‘Trip to Tipp’
Thousands of festival goers came from far and wide to revel in the atmosphere of the inaugural Liberty Music Festival in Thurles last weekend.
Summer sunshine bathed Liberty Square on Saturday and Sunday last and the mood was really lifted as an eclectic line up of tribute rock bands took to the stage for a fantastic event which proved to be a big hit for all.
Jay Steats as Ed Sheeran, Forever Living as Rod Stewart, and the brilliant Supersonic as Oasis, brought crowds to their feet dancing and rocking for an electric weekend.
Chairman of the organising committee, Cllr Jim Ryan, thanked everyone involved in bringing the idea to fruition. “Thanks to all, especially the Stewards and volunteers, without them the festival would not have been possible. They were there free of charge.”
A special thanks too to the Order of Malta, Thurles Gardaí, Tipperary County Council, the residents and traders of Liberty Square, Simon Gleeson PA Hire, all the bands, Cruthaigh, all the security on the day, David O’Sullivan the fantastic MC, Ryan Brothers Ltd. for cleaning up the Square, and Jamie Barrett for Health and Safety, David Fitzpatrick for the drum kit hire, and Will Hourihan from Flexiweb for creating the promotional video.
Planning for the festival began in early February, said Cllr Ryan, who approached the Municipal District and County Council with the idea for a summer festival in Thurles.
Sharon Scully, District Administrator, and Thomas Duffy, “backed us financially and planning wise,” said Cllr Ryan. “There was a huge amount of work put in in the last six months. It was a fabulous day and a huge success, especially given that this was its first year.”
The Ulster Bank car park was free on the day. Other members of the festival committee included Treasurer Kieran Linnane, Secretary Pat Hayes, PRO Liam Kennedy, Liam Hogan, Jack Hally, and Pat Brennan.
The event attracted huge online reaction. Sandra Dunne said: “Absolutely brilliant, looking forward to today, well done to all involved and a big shout out to Jim Ryan for bringing such a fantastic event to the town.”
Margaret Mary Clare said: “Another fantastic day well done everyone. Would be great if we could make it a yearly event.”
Cora Hackett said: “brilliant day yesterday, fantastic atmosphere, so lovely to see life in the town and people smiling.”
Teresa Ryan commented: “absolutely brilliant day we’ll done to all involved. Can’t wait for next year,” while Fiona Connors stated, “Fantastic day. Huge applause to all the organisers. Great for the town.”